Team Herald
PANJIM: The High Court of Bombay at Goa on Monday, appreciating the efforts of the State government and Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) to improve the oxygen supply for COVID-19 patients in the State-run hospital, thereby reducing its related mortalities, urged the administration to be “fully prepared” for the third wave of the pandemic, which experts have predicted.
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As the hearing on the PILs seeking the Court’s intervention on the COVID-19 situation in the State, continued on Monday, the Division Bench said that “a positive message has to go out to the public… in the last three-four days, there have been improvements. We should compliment the authorities.”
The Court appreciated the efforts put in by the government to set up the oxygen tank at GMC in record time and much before Cyclone Tauktae could hit the State. “We want to appreciate your efforts,” the Bench said.
During the hearing, the Court pointed out that like Vedanta that has converted their plant and is supplying three metric tonnes of oxygen to the State daily, other industries can be identified. “Though, we have far and few but can government speak and convince them about the supply?” the Court asked, to which Advocate General Devidas Pangam said that based on the requirement, the options would be explored.
“Let us assess the situation. It will depend on the requirement but for now the situation is under control,” the Advocate General submitted.
However, the Bench urged the government to ensure that while assessing the situation, the possible third wave, is taken into account. “When you are assessing the requirements, do not assess as per present situation. Do it from a possible third wave that might hit the country and State. Threat of third wave is there…don’t wait till it strikes,” the Court said.
The State government informed the Court about the poor image of GMC being made viral on social media as well as through other media platforms. “It’s sad to say that there is still wrong media reporting happening that there is problem between 1am-6am. It is creating panic and patients are afraid to visit GMC. That should not happen. Due to such reportage, patients are delaying hospitalisation,” the AG informed the Court.
The Division Bench pulled up the petitioners to take note of the same. The Court said that the petitioners need to remember that these are public interest litigations and spread out message that people in need should avail the hospital facilities.
